Shift is a verb and a noun with similar meaning.  A shift is a change or adjustment. We have opportunity to shift each day. It starts with noticing.  Our level of self-awareness drives our choices, which feed off our moods. Our moods impact our overall energy and influence our experience. Day after day. Week after week. Year after year.

Emotions provide insight – and data. On average we encounter 400 moods or trigger events per day. What happens? Are we aware during each event or do we notice AFTER it’s over? Do WE manage them or do THEY manage us?  Or Both?

Most of us waste our energy not prioritizing our feelings, which are constantly moving. Emotions energize or drain us. Just like our phones, but we usually give our phones  greater focus and care. We know our phone’s energy limit and recharge it before it’s too late. Wouldn’t it be great if could to that for ourselves?

We can!

How?  Decide to Get Your Shift Together. You can disrupt habituated patterns and mindfully manage attention, energy and ultimately your experience.

Today’s Tip: Level Up

Level Up is to return to your BEST self. See what happens when you do this:

1. Set an alarm or visual reminder that grabs your attention throughout the day.
2. Take a breath. Here’s the level up part. Give yourself permission to slow down and:
   • Move your attention to your breath. Breathe slower and deeper than usual. Continue breathing and ask yourself:
     • What is my current mood? What am I feeling?
     • Is it high or low energy? (i.e. Excited vs. Calm)
     • Is it pleasant or unpleasant? (i.e. Content vs. Frightened)

3. Think of an experience where you felt happy, peaceful and appreciated. Now, move the memory from thought to feeling. Genuinely attempt to re-experience the higher mood-state of your memory. It might take more than once. This practice can strengthen your self-regulation and improve your choices.

The ability to stop and pause in the midst of busyness is powerful practice. It may sound simple, but don’t confuse simple with easy. Start where you are. One Moment. One mood. One positive feeling at a time.  You may discover a better mood, boost in energy and your brighter overall outlook more often.